One of the great Cubs players of all time, Ron Santo, passed away last night at the age of 70. I have to admit, the third baseman and later radio broadcaster was before my time (my early memories consist of Ryne Sandberg, Mark Grace, Andre Dawson and Shawon Dunston), but whenever I heard of the great men who wore the Cubs uniform, Ron Santo's name was among the two mentioned the most (the other belonging to Ernie Banks).
I wish I could write a worthy tribute, but Al Yellon at Bleed Cubbie Blue and Gene Wojciechowski at ESPN.com did a far better job. From what I've read of his life story, Ron Santo was a man who faced great obstacles (as a result of his battle with juvenile diabetes) and possessed even greater fortitude. As Mr. Wojciechowski wrote, “Santo was as much a part of the Cubs as the ivy, the brick outfield walls and the ancient scoreboard. He lived the Cubs. He died the Cubs.”
May he rest in peace.
1 comments:
Ron Santo was 70?
Man I feel old. I grew up in the middle of Illinois, where the Card fan-Cub fan rivalries were always raging.
I was a cardinal fan, but the cubs were on tv all the time, so I was familiar with their players.
RIP, Ron...
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